Sunday, 27 December 2026

The Holy Family

Gospel: Luke 2:22–40

“My eyes have seen Your salvation.” Luke 2:30

Liturgical colour: White & gold

For grown-ups

Today the Church gives us the Holy Family, and not a picture-perfect one. Mary and Joseph carry their baby to the Temple, where old Simeon and Anna recognise Him and give thanks. Simeon holds Jesus and says, “My eyes have seen Your salvation.” Even in the middle of ordinary routines, God is present.

St Paul’s words to the Colossians sound like a list for a busy household: be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient, bear with one another, and forgive. That is the holiness on offer to families like ours, and it is lived out in the kitchen, in the car and at bedtime. This week, after Christmas, let it be enough to love one another well, say thank you to God, and forgive quickly when we get it wrong.

Dinner-table questions

Who is in our family, and what do you love about each person?
What did Simeon say when he held baby Jesus?
What is one kind thing someone in our family did for you today?

This week’s family practice: At bedtime this week, each person says one thing they are thankful for about someone else in the family. End by saying sorry to anyone you upset that day, and give a hug.

This Sunday’s readings

First reading: Sirach 3:2–6, 12–14 (or Genesis 15:1–6; 21:1–3)
Psalm: Psalm 127(128) — O blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways! (or Psalm 104(105) — He, the Lord, is our God. He remembers His covenant for ever.)
Second reading: Colossians 3:12–21 (or Hebrews 11:8, 11–12, 17–19)
Gospel: Luke 2:22–40 (or shorter form Luke 2:22, 39–40)